Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll Recipe

If you're looking to impress your guests with a truly divine dessert, this Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll is just the recipe you need! This stunning dessert features a light and fluffy vanilla sponge cake rolled around a creamy cheesecake filling, bursting with sweet and tangy cherry pie filling. It's not only delicious but also a beautiful show-stopper that looks much more complicated than it actually is. Whether you're preparing for a special occasion, a family gathering, or just want to treat yourself to something extra special, this cake roll will not disappoint!

this Recipe

What Is a Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll?

A Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll is a rolled sponge cake filled with layers of creamy cheesecake and cherry pie filling. The sponge cake is baked in a thin sheet, then spread with a creamy cheesecake filling and cherries before being carefully rolled up into a stunning swirl. The result is a perfect combination of tender cake, tangy cherries, and rich cheesecake in every bite. It's a playful twist on traditional cheesecake, presented in the form of a roll cake.

Ingredients List for Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll

To make this Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Vanilla Sponge Cake:

• All-purpose flour: ¾ cup
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon
• Eggs: 4 large, at room temperature
• Granulated sugar: ¾ cup
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
• Milk: 2 tablespoons, warm
• Powdered sugar: For dusting (to prevent sticking)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream cheese: 8 oz (1 block), softened at room temperature
• Powdered sugar: ½ cup
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
• Heavy cream: ½ cup, cold (for whipping)

For the Cherry Filling:

• Cherry pie filling: 1 can (21 oz)

For Garnish (optional):

• Whipped cream: For topping
• Fresh cherries: For decoration
• Powdered sugar: For dusting the finished roll

Ingredients List for Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll (For Emphasis)

• Vanilla Sponge Cake: A light, airy cake that forms the base of the roll.
• Cheesecake Filling: A creamy layer made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and whipped cream.
• Cherry Pie Filling: Sweet and tangy cherries add a burst of fruitiness and beautiful color.
• Garnishes: Optional whipped cream, fresh cherries, and powdered sugar for a decorative finish.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is versatile, and you can adjust it to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based heavy cream, and non-dairy milk to make this recipe dairy-free.
• Berry Swirl: Instead of cherry pie filling, you can use raspberry, blueberry, or strawberry pie filling for a different fruity flavor.
• Chocolate Cake Roll: Replace ¼ cup of the flour with cocoa powder to make a chocolate version of the cake roll, which pairs beautifully with the cherry filling.
• Lemon Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the cake batter for a fresh citrus flavor that complements the cherries and cheesecake.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make the Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the edges for easy removal later. Grease the parchment paper lightly to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Sponge Cake:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar on high speed for about 3-4 minutes, until pale and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and warm milk, and mix on low speed until combined. Gradually fold in the flour mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

3. Bake the Sponge Cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Do not overbake, as this will make the cake difficult to roll.

4. Roll the Cake:

While the cake is still hot, sprinkle a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Carefully invert the cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment paper, and roll the cake up with the towel (starting from the short end). Let the cake cool completely in the rolled-up position.

5. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.

6. Unroll the Cake:

Once the cake has cooled, gently unroll it. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the surface of the cake, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges.

7. Add the Cherry Filling:

Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer, spreading it evenly. Be careful not to overfill, as too much filling can make the cake difficult to roll.

8. Roll the Cake Again:

Gently roll the cake back up, using the towel to help guide the roll. Place the cake seam-side down on a serving platter, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to set.

9. Garnish and Serve:

Before serving, dust the cake roll with powdered sugar. Optionally, garnish with whipped cream and fresh cherries for a beautiful finish. Slice and enjoy!

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a summary of the key steps:

• Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare the jelly roll pan.
• Step 2: Make the vanilla sponge cake batter and bake for 10-12 minutes.
• Step 3: While hot, roll the cake in a powdered sugar-dusted towel and let it cool.
• Step 4: Beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla, then fold in whipped cream for the cheesecake filling.
• Step 5: Unroll the cake, spread the cheesecake filling, and add cherry pie filling on top.
• Step 6: Roll the cake back up and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
• Step 7: Garnish with whipped cream and cherries, dust with powdered sugar, and serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

• Overbaking the Sponge Cake: If the cake is overbaked, it can crack when rolled. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as it springs back when touched.
• Not Rolling the Cake While Hot: The cake must be rolled up while it’s still hot. If it cools first, it will be difficult to roll and may crack.
• Overfilling: Don’t use too much filling—too much cherry pie filling or cheesecake can make the roll messy and hard to slice.
• Skipping the Refrigeration Step: Refrigerating the cake roll helps the filling firm up and makes slicing easier.

Serving and Presentation Tips

The Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll is a stunning dessert that can be served in various ways to impress your guests:

• Serve with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream to each slice for an extra indulgent touch.
• Garnish with Fresh Cherries: Top the cake roll with fresh cherries or maraschino cherries to enhance the cherry flavor and add a pop of color.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cake roll for a touch of decadence.
• Presentation Platter: Serve the cake on a decorative platter with sprigs of mint or edible flowers for a sophisticated presentation.

How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll

Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious cake roll:

• Individually Plated: Serve each slice on its own plate with a drizzle of cherry sauce or chocolate sauce.
• With Ice Cream: Pair a slice of the cake roll with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
• For Special Occasions: Decorate the cake roll with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, and edible flowers for a stunning centerpiece at a party or celebration.

Presentation Ideas for Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll

To make your Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll stand out, try these presentation ideas:

• Elegant Drizzle: Drizzle a bit of cherry sauce or melted chocolate over the top of the cake roll for a decorative touch.
• Layered Garnish: Arrange fresh cherries and whipped cream along the top of the roll for a sophisticated and colorful look.
• Festive Decorations: For holidays, add festive sprinkles or use red and white decorative elements to complement the cherry filling.

Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: This cake roll can be made a day in advance. Simply refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.
• Freeze for Later: The cake roll can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Firm Whipped Cream: To stabilize the whipped cream, add 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar or a touch of gelatin to prevent it from deflating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
A: Absolutely! You can make your own cherry pie filling with fresh or frozen cherries if you prefer a homemade touch.

Q: Can I freeze the cake roll?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cake roll. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Q: What if my cake cracks when I roll it?
A: If the cake cracks, don’t worry! You can cover the cracks with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or chocolate drizzle, and it will still taste amazing.

Q: Can I use another type of fruit filling?
A: Yes, you can substitute the cherry filling with strawberry, blueberry, or even raspberry pie filling for a different flavor twist.

Conclusion

This Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Cake Roll is the perfect combination of light, fluffy sponge cake, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet, tangy cherry goodness. It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make and is sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this cake roll is guaranteed to be a hit. Try this recipe today and enjoy the luscious flavors of cheesecake and cherries rolled into one decadent dessert!

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